Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented a N780.6 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, branding it the “Budget of Inclusive Growth.” The proposal, which represents a 17 % increase over the previous year’s allocation, seeks to consolidate the gains of the administration’s “People First” philosophy. Governor Otu said the budget was formulated after extensive consultations with civil society, private‑sector stakeholders, and the general public.
The N780.6 billion budget allocates N519.6 billion for capital expenditure and N260.9 billion for recurrent spending. Sectoral allocations include N421 billion for the economic sector, N163 billion for social services, N164 billion for administration, N28 billion for justice, and N3.6 billion for regional development. The governor emphasized that the plan is designed to strengthen the state’s revenue base, drive human‑capital growth, and secure a prosperous, resilient Cross River.
Reflecting on the 2025 budget, Otu noted that it was revised from N538 billion to N642 billion thanks to improved revenue performance, and a supplementary N104 billion was deployed for urgent road repairs, rural electrification, and maternal and neonatal health initiatives. He highlighted successes such as achieving 95 % immunisation coverage, completing key road projects like the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road and the Esuk Utan–Depot dualisation, and making strides in the energy and health sectors. Notable achievements include the installation of solar streetlights and mini‑grids in rural communities, the renovation of health centres across all three senatorial districts, and the near‑completion of the General Hospital at Ikom.
The presentation of the 2026 budget marks a significant step toward the state’s development goals, with a focus on inclusive growth and prosperity. Its approval and implementation will be closely watched as Cross River seeks to build on the progress made in the previous year.
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